The Avalon Lancer Football team played a quarterfinal playoff game in Ojai last week and lost to a very good Thacher team.
The Lancers defied all critics this year and had a fantastic season.
We were 9-0 in league play and, once again, were crowned the Express League Champions.
The boys traveled up to Ojai on Friday night to get there early and prepare for a Saturday game.
We had a few loyal fans and Avalon’s Cheerleaders were also on hand to support the team.
The Avalon Lancer Football team played a quarterfinal playoff game in Ojai last week and lost to a very good Thacher team.
The Lancers defied all critics this year and had a fantastic season.
We were 9-0 in league play and, once again, were crowned the Express League Champions.
The boys traveled up to Ojai on Friday night to get there early and prepare for a Saturday game.
We had a few loyal fans and Avalon’s Cheerleaders were also on hand to support the team.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip up North. Thacher scored early on their first possession and Avalon prepared to do some battle in what was looking to be a tough game as the playoff usually are.
Unfortunately, Brayan Martinez, Avalon’s leading rusher on the season was injured on the first play from scrimmage and he never returned to the game.
Brayan is a key member of both offense and defense and we missed him on both sides of the ball.
The Lancers made some quick adjustments and the guys did their best to adapt but the Thacher offense came right at us and we had trouble slowing them down.
We went into halftime down by three touchdowns and understandably the guys were feeling low … Avalon is not known for going out without a fight and they came out at halftime and showed a great deal of heart and determination.
While the final score does not show it, The Lancers were true winners as they bounced back from adversity and fought hard to stay in the game. If not for a few unfortunate circumstances, we had an opportunity to keep it close and possibly win the game. The boys should all be very proud of themselves.
David Torres-Zeller led the way at quarterback, scoring for Avalon and completing some nice passes, including a couple of beautiful passes to Chris Alcala one that was hauled in for an Avalon Touchdown.
David stepped in at quarterback this year and has done a fantastic job leading Avalon’s offense.
He has run, blocked and passed with great heart and fire in his efforts to help the team.
Nicely done David. Chris jumped into the halfback position for the first time this year when Brayan got hurt and he did a great job.
Chris also ran back kickoffs and punts with a ferocity and spirit that clearly demonstrated his heart and desire to succeed and give it everything that he had. Chris clearly “Left it all on the field.”
Jaime Alaniz also had to up the slack and ran the ball well for Avalon and played a good game.
David Garcia played tight end and Defensive end and he had a key pass reception for a long gain that led to a touchdown.
As always, in the thick of things and giving their all on every play were Sergio Casillas and Giovanni Leyva.
Two unsung heroes who battle it out on the line every game—on this day against a very talented Thacher line and running attack.
For all of Avalon’s seniors, including Patrick Sitzes and Leo Romero, both of whom contributed to the Avalon cause, this brings a close to their football careers as Lancers. Congratulations to all of them. The Thacher team handled themselves with class in victory and as much as no one likes to lose a game like this, we did so on this day to the more prepared and better team.
For those players returning next year and to new Avalon players, teams like Thacher give us insight into the dedication, hard work and discipline that are required for success at any level. A strong combination of leadership, commitment and a clear roadmap for success are required and we look forward to next year and guiding a new group of athletes on their journey.
Thank you to all of our supporters this year. We are sorry that we were not able to entertain you with any home games – you missed a lot of exciting football and you were not able to appreciate how well these boys played this year. We look forward to seeing you next year on our brand new field at Joe Machado Park.
Go Lancers!
